Fashion That Works

Custom Collaborative trains, mentors, and advocates for and with no/low-income and immigrant women to build the skills necessary to achieve economic success in the sustainable fashion industry and broader society.

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Behind The Seams

Based in New York City, Custom Collaborative envisions a world in which all women possess the skills, confidence, and agency to design their futures and contribute to a sustainable world — regardless of race or socio-economic background.

100%

of the women we serve are ambitious.

97%

are racial/ethnic minorities.

70%

are immigrants or first generation Americans.

75%

are primary caregivers.

51%

lack permanent housing.

Sarata, Cohort 14:

"For many of us, this wasn't just about fabric or fashion — it was personal. It was healing. It was about reclaiming confidence, dignity, and dreams we thought were out of reach."

  • Training Institute

    Custom Collaborative's comprehensive 15-week Training Institute teaches the art, technique, and business of fashion design. Our training includes extensive instruction in fashion business basics, including marketing, sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and sustainability, along with personal finance. Students graduate equipped with the toolkit to begin a career in fashion.

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  • Business Incubator

    Custom Collaborative offers management consulting, mentorship, technical assistance, advanced training, and professional equipment to Training Institute graduates and others in the fashion industry. Our goal is to maximize work opportunities and improve socio-economic outcomes for all women.

    About the Program

  • Worker-Owned Cooperative

    Custom Collaborative develops employee-owned businesses. In support of equitable economic development and ownership opportunities for all, we train people in cooperative principles and practices and incubate their employee-owned businesses.

    About the Program

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125

women trained across 14 cohorts

60%

of graduates have started their own business

34%

are working for companies within the fashion industry